Chris Head and the Honchos
/ Bio

Chris Head and the Honchos brings together three seasoned musicians into a new collaborative relationship, combining elements of rock, traditional country, folk, and powerpop into a potent gumbo of sound. A Tennessee transplant, Chris writes the songs, sings lead, and plays acoustic and electric guitar. Over time Chris absorbed the sounds of country floating in the breeze and combined them with the post-punk, roots, and classic rock that he listened to incessantly. Before forming the Honchos, Chris performed as a solo act and may still be found playing the troubadour both unaccompanied and as a member of the Portage Road Songwriters Guild. In 2004 Chris self-released a set of solo recordings dubbed Candy Cigarettes, which continues to provide songs for the Honchos’ set-list. His songwriting and performing talents were recognized in 2008 with a First Runner-up prize at the 19th Street Coffeehouse Mid-Winter Talent Competition. On bass and vocals and hailing from Kiel, WI by way of Dallas, TX, Tim Ungrodt keeps things melodically and rhythmically compelling. Taking his cue from the likes of John Entwhistle and Chris Squire, Tim brings fleet-fingered musicianship, invention, and passion to the Honchos' music. Born in Indonesia, Rizal Iskandarsjach moved to Madison as a youngster and found his musical home on the drumkit. Having played previously in rockabilly and singer-songwriter acts, his sensitivity to the needs of the song, regardless of genre, makes him a perfect foil for this band. He even throws a little harmony vocalizing in on occasion.
November 2011 introduced the release of Hard Truths, which The Americana Gazette praised for its ability to “touch the listener both lyrically and musically” and named as one of the top 5 Wisconsin Americana CD’s for the year. The disc's 14 original songs represent the full breadth of the Honchos' talents as a band, mixing multiple genres, instruments, and production styles. Each track tells a distinct tale and, whether told with kiss-on-the-cheek tenderness or 2x4-upside-the-head raunch, is arranged to best convey that message. The disc is currently available at live shows as well as on CDBaby and iTunes. For live bookings/inquiries, please contact the band at chrisheadandthehonchos@gmail.com.